Husband and wife can't agree on anything!!

4 years 3 months ago #668810 by Deb Reardon
I believe I have the worst client known to man.  I have a wedding coming up in February.  The parents are paying for wedding including photography.  I have met with them 4X so far.  Each time they keep changing things up, arguing about how things should go, and they never agree. I'll get a call from the husband on Monday outlining things, and by Wednesday his wife will call me to change things around.  It's driving me bonkers!

I feel I need a breather.  It's a big gig, and I could use the business, but wow, this is REALLY testing me.  


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4 years 3 months ago #668814 by Nikon Shooter
This is where your salesmanship would kick in!

Finding a common ground is a better alternative than to let
them go as they are. you may end up losing the gig.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 3 months ago #668822 by effron
Welcome to wedding photography. There should be a law keeping mothers of brides in straight jackets until after the receptions. Learn to deal with it, almost ALL are similar. 

Why so serious?
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4 years 3 months ago #668906 by Ian Stone
I would make arrangements when they are both together, and get confirmation and move off that.  


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4 years 3 months ago #668925 by Lostkiwi
Precisely the reason I gave up doing wedding photography and focused (pardon the pun) on IT work. 
It got so bad for me I gave up photography for near enough 8 years. 


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4 years 3 months ago #668927 by garyrhook
You could, politely and kindly, point out that you are getting different input from each of them, and request (require) that only one of them act as the contact point so as to ensure that the engagement is consistent.  And once that person has been named, simply remind the other of the communication channels that have been agreed upon going forward and you'll look forward to hearing from the primary contact.

Or some such.

What I don't understand is what on earth requires this level of discussion? It's a wedding and we all know what happens. You get a timeline for the day from the planner/whomever, a list of required shots of the family for the formals, and then perhaps an engagement shoot.

If they're changing up the package, you have too many choices available, and should trim those back. I.e. package things up (like the American car manufacturers) so there are only a few choices of add-ons. IMHO, of course.

I'd still love to know what the deal is.


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4 years 3 months ago #668949 by Bump N More
"You could, politely and kindly, point out that you are getting different input from each of them, and request (require) that only one of them act as the contact point so as to ensure that the engagement is consistent.  And once that person has been named, simply remind the other of the communication channels that have been agreed upon going forward and you'll look forward to hearing from the primary contact."

:agree:  Very good advice here.  


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4 years 3 months ago #669044 by Scotty
Ask Johnny Walker. 

:D

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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4 years 3 months ago - 4 years 3 months ago #669068 by Hassner
In my country it is also mostly one of the parents that pay for the photographer, but we only deal with the wedding couple. The parents are treated as guests, even though they pay. Normally the bride is the one with the demands and looking to the groom for conformation. Maybe write that into your contract that whoever pays, the bride and groom are your clients. Mom and dad can make requests to their kids before they come for their session(s). Also put that any meetings more than two will be billed. 


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4 years 3 months ago #669069 by Sawyer
Sounds like my wife and I!  :rofl:

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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4 years 3 months ago #669335 by icepics
What Scotty said. Wait! I mean...

Contract should cover this. They each have a copy, refer them back to that.

On second thought, your favorite adult beverage may be the best idea after all...

Sharon
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